Reunion Island (France, Indian Ocean) targets the electric self-sufficiency by the horizon 2030, via an energy mix made of renewables including ocean energies. This target is part of an ambitious national experimental plan called “Plan Reunion 2030” or “GERRI” (Green Energy Revolution, Reunion Island), meaning to experiment on a closed territory of approximately 1 million inhabitants new energy technologies and their environmental, economical and social impacts. Since 2002 Reunion island Regional council, with the help of the Regional Energy Agency (ARER), has conducted various studies to assess ocean energy potentials, technologies and sites of interest. These data are hereafter compiled in order to present a state of the art knowledge of ocean energy opportunities in Reunion island. A “best site” analysis was conducted for each ocean energy of interest in Reunion island: wave energy, current energy and thermal energy through SWAC (Sea Water Air Conditioning) and OTEC (Ocean thermal Energy Conversion). We present this analysis as well as the necessary oncoming resource measurement to be performed on focused sites in order to assess the opportunity of technology developments. This analysis also takes into account the motivation of local city officials in agreement with local city planning projects. St Pierre (South of the island) offers great opportunity for offshore wave energy. St Paul (West of the island) could offer current energy opportunity: precise marine current measurements are required.
North (St Denis, Le Port) and East Cities (Ste Rose) offer high potential for SWAC and/or OTEC technology developments
